Origin Agritech Ltd, a Chinese agricultural biotechnology trait and seed provider, recently signed a definitive agreement with DuPont Pioneer, the advanced seed and genetics business of DuPont. Under the terms of the agreement, Origin will gain access to non-GM corn seed products from DuPont Pioneer. Origin anticipates having commercial seed products available for sale in the U.S. market for spring 2017 planting. Additional terms and financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
“This agreement with DuPont Pioneer is a critical first step toward launching Origin’s North America strategic Pillar III, focused on serving the non-GM/Organic markets,” said Bill Niebur, Origin CEO. “We look forward to offering these products to U.S. farmers through a novel, digitally-enabled route to market while building a platform from which Origin can continue to grow.”
This is Origin’s second business agreement with DuPont. The companies announced in April a commercial agreement to jointly develop new seed technologies in China for Chinese farmers.
“We are pleased with the opportunity to continue to do business with Origin,” said Bart Baudler, Commercial Unit Lead, PROaccess. “Through this agreement, Origin is strengthening its ability to diversify its genetic and product choices for farmers.”
Origin recently released advances in its Pillar I and II growth platforms. Today’s announcement supports progress in the launch of its Pillar III: North America non-GM/Organic growth platform.
“Today’s announcement helps advance our business model of creating value by connecting growers and end users—while providing services along the value chain,” said Christine Bobst, Origin North America Business Director. “We are looking forward to serving the non-GM/Organic markets in new and different ways as we pursue a full slate of agricultural products, technology and service offerings.”
